Sustainable new construction is the most efficient method to ensure energy efficiency. Each year the Department increases its inventory of facilities certified by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy Efficient Design (LEED) program. Currently, the Department has a number of LEED certified buildings—the majority have attained gold and silver level certification. Thirty military construction projects were designed and awarded to meet the LEED silver standard in 2009 alone.

The Department has a tremendous opportunity to incorporate leading edge technology and renewable systems into the new construction for the Marine Corps relocation from Japan to Guam. In addition to designing sustainable facilities, we are auditing all existing facilities to identify potential efficiency projects, including installing traditional solar panels, developing thin film solar adhesives to withstand typhoon conditions, collecting wind speed data and seeking funds for wind turbines, and evaluating the feasibility of ocean thermal energy conversion on Guam. The Guam relocation will be a shining example of energy efficiency, environmental stewardship, and energy security.